Follow Blog via Email

Day 66: Turning Setbacks into Comebacks

Lance Armstrong, Winner of 1999 Tour de France

In 1996, Lance Armstrong was diagnosed with cancer. However, Lance being a seemingly healthy young man, ignored the warning signs. By the time the cancer was diagnosed, it had spread to his lungs, abdomen and brain. His chances of survival dimmed.

After four rounds of chemotherapy and two operations, he turned his setback into a comeback. Three years after being diagnosed with this life-threatening cancer, Lance Armstrong won Tour de France, one of sports’ most grueling cycling events. A race he has gone on to win 7 times.

In our lives, we will all experience some setbacks. Some may be emotional, some may be physical and some may be spiritual, but when they come, we shouldn’t become angry and bitter. Instead, we need to turn our setbacks into comebacks.

The Christian life is by far the best life to live, however, it is not a problem-free life. There are troubles that still arise. However, we can triumph over our problems and we can turn setbacks into comebacks just like Lance Armstrong did. So why do we experience trials and tribulations? We experience them in order to grow and mature in our faith. James 1:4 says, “Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” Our suffering develops perseverance; and perseverance will build maturity, and maturity will produce character. So, like a refining process, suffering is designed to make us better people.

How should we handle difficult times? How can we rebound from setbacks?

1. Pray and believe that God is with us. In the words of the Apostle Paul in (Philippians 4:6-7), we are to pray about all of our circumstances, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” We must give our problems to God in prayer and trust that in His own time and way, He will help us.

2. Choose to be joyful. A joyful attitude is essential when rebounding from setbacks. James says, “Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds” (James 1:2). When setbacks come, give thanks to the Lord and adopt a joyful attitude.

3. Never give up. No matter what happens, we must never give up on our faith. Things will always get better.